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Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Visualizing Clathrin-mediated Endocytosis of G Protein-coupled Receptors at Single-event Resolution via TIRF Microscopy
Published on: October 20, 2014
PROTAC internalization and target degradation require clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
Hao-Yang Liu1, Zhengyu Wang2, Rahul Sharma1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States.
Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) enter cells via clathrin-mediated endocytosis, not passive diffusion. This pathway is essential for PROTAC function and targeted protein degradation.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Pharmacology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) are novel therapeutics for targeted protein degradation.
- The cellular entry mechanism for PROTACs is currently unknown.
- CD36 has been identified as a PROTAC receptor, but its uptake pathway is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the cellular uptake mechanism of PROTACs.
- To determine the role of CD36 in PROTAC internalization.
- To investigate the pathway governing PROTAC-induced protein degradation.
Main Methods:
- Live-cell imaging to visualize PROTAC and CD36 trafficking.
- Identification of CD36 C-terminal motifs.
- Genetic and pharmacological disruption of clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
Main Results:
- PROTAC uptake and function depend on clathrin-mediated endocytosis.
- Novel clathrin adaptor-binding motifs were identified in CD36.
- CD36 and PROTACs colocalize at clathrin-coated pits.
- Disruption of clathrin assembly abrogates PROTAC-mediated protein degradation.
Conclusions:
- Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is the primary mechanism for PROTAC cellular entry.
- This pathway is critical for the efficacy of diverse PROTACs.
- Understanding this mechanism can optimize targeted degrader design and cellular response.
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